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String Quartet in B Flat K. 458 (Hunt)
This is the fourth of the six quartets dedicated to Haydn. Mozart never gave it a title, but the first movement is in a buoyant 6/8 rhythm, with a spirit of pursuit and adventure about it.
It is this excitement of mood which prompted its nickname “The Hunt.
String Quartet in A Minor D. 804 No. 13
As in the "Trout" Quintet and the "Death and the Maiden" Quartet, Schubert uses material from previous works In this case, he draws material from his musical setting for the opera Rosamunde, as well as from a setting to a stanza by Schiller. The text of that stanza begins: "Fair world, where are you?" Indeed, the mood of he quartet fits that line very well; it is a work full of sadness and despair.
The quartet begins very much as a song would: there are two bars of accompaniment, followed by the entrance of a haunting theme played by the violin. This is a far cry from the happy, carefree moods that we hear in pieces like the "Trout" Quintet. Even in this "mature" style, though, there are elements of pure Schubert ….. the immediately grasped melodies, the sudden harmonic shifts, and the beautiful modulations.
While the first three movements continue on in this depressed tone, the final movement is an Allegro in Hungarian style. The cheerful mood here rather sharply contrasts the sombre tone that had been so firmly set before.
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| For a full listing of this seasons concerts, please select the 2010-2011 Season menu item or click here. |
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| The Midland Chambers Players Society is a Registered Charity: HT/500193/R
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